Baseball notebook: Rangers activate Berkman

Berkman activated: Veteran Lance Berkman was activated from the disabled list by the Rangers, who also reinstated three pitchers on the first day rosters could expand.

The DH Berkman, a New Braunfels Canyon grad, has been sidelined since July 7 with left hip inflammation and soreness in his surgically repaired right knee.

Also activated from the DL were RHPs Neftali Feliz and Nick Tepesch and LHP Michael Kirkman.

Red Sox designate Bard: Boston designated once prominent reliever Daniel Bard for assignment because of the need for a spot on its 40-man roster. Bard, 26, a key part of Boston's bullpen from 2009-11, has had control problems the last two seasons.